Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Vespasian. 69-79 AD. Denarius, 3.43g. (6h). Rome, 76 AD. Obv: IMP CAESAR - VESPASIANVS AVG Head bare left. Rx: PON MAX - TR P COS VII Pax seated left resting left elbow on throne and holding branch. RIC 853 (R2), pl. 9 (eBay 2003, same dies). BMC p. 34. Paris 161 corr., pl. XXXII (same dies). Cohen 374. VF/About VF.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, purchased from CNG E238, 11 August 2010, lot 377.
Three aspects make this denarius noteworthy and rare: first the bare portrait, instead of laureate as normal; second the portrait facing left rather than the normal right; and finally the date TR P VII in the reverse legend, instead of TR P VI which is normal with this Pax seated type. Apparently the type continued to be struck for a short time only in 76 AD (COS VII). The COS VII on our coin indeed looks as though it might have been altered in the die from a previous COS VI, in the same way that on a parallel Pax-seated denarus die of Titus COS IIII was definitely altered to COS V, RIC 865 note and pl. 58 (enlargements). "Extremely rare bare head, only seen on coins of 75 and 76" (Harry Sneh); underpriced by Cohen at only two francs.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, purchased from CNG E238, 11 August 2010, lot 377.
Three aspects make this denarius noteworthy and rare: first the bare portrait, instead of laureate as normal; second the portrait facing left rather than the normal right; and finally the date TR P VII in the reverse legend, instead of TR P VI which is normal with this Pax seated type. Apparently the type continued to be struck for a short time only in 76 AD (COS VII). The COS VII on our coin indeed looks as though it might have been altered in the die from a previous COS VI, in the same way that on a parallel Pax-seated denarus die of Titus COS IIII was definitely altered to COS V, RIC 865 note and pl. 58 (enlargements). "Extremely rare bare head, only seen on coins of 75 and 76" (Harry Sneh); underpriced by Cohen at only two francs.